Preoperative mapping of the saphenous vein: Predicting the risk of failure of infrainguinal bypass surgery

A series of 124 patients had their greater saphenous vein assessed with duplex ultrasound scanning prior to planned infrainguinal bypass procedures. 33 (27%) bypass procedures thrombosed within the first year. A naturally occurring optimal vein diameter was discovered: 5.0-6.5 mm at mid-thigh level and 1.0-1.5 mm less at mid-calf level. It was significantly correlated with higher one year patency: thrombosis occured in 8% of the cases in veins with this optimal diameter combination and in 31% of the cases in all other combinations (P < 0.001).